Diploma in Advertising and Graphic Design

at Humber College - Lakeshore Campus Canada

Employers in Canada, and around the world, recognize the value of Humber's Public Relations advanced diploma program. Our program provides hands-on training and develops skills in professional media writing, strategic communication planning, presentation, social and digital media content development, social media analytics, media relations, and marketing communications to name a few. Over the course of your studies, you will compile an impressive portfolio of work. Learn from the pros. Humber’s PR faculty has significant work experience and subject matter expertise. At Humber, you are more than a number. Your instructors get to know you by name and offer personalized instruction. To keep the program content current, relevant and leading edge, external industry experts regularly review the curriculum.  

The first semester of the program could be described as a sampler program. You will get a taste of other media disciplines such as advertising and graphic design, journalism, media communications, advertising, and marketing communications. This allows you to keep your options open should you wish to head in a different direction in your second semester.

Students will participate in a mandatory work placement which takes place in the last semester of study. Upon graduation, you will have the knowledge to plan, develop and execute effective public relations plans using social and traditional media. Opportunities include employment in corporations, charities, government, PR firms and many others. Our graduates have landed jobs at high-profile companies in a huge variety of sectors ranging from Corus Entertainment, Molson and Bell to MLSE, RBC and Toronto International Film Festival.

Humber’s Bachelor of Commerce - International Business degree program will help you develop the knowledge and applied skills you need to carve out a career not only in a multinational company but also in nimble, fast-paced small- and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. Our program combines a balanced approach to teaching business featuring case studies, problem solving, modelling and data analytics in support of decision-making. Course content, skill-building activities and writing and applied projects maintain a strong focus on the three pillars of international business: marketing, finance and operations.

Our program starts with a foundation of business studies in areas such as consumer behaviour, micro and macroeconomics, finance and accounting, law, marketing, and operations management. Specialization courses in international business will give you the opportunity to gain practical skills through applied projects such as creating a full business and strategic plan to launch a business in an external market. You will gain experience developing processes from concept through to execution. Examples of specialization courses include Intercultural Communications, International Finance, Supply Chain Management and International Logistics, International Marketing, International Trade Law, and Strategic Business Analytics.

You will learn from experienced professors and a network of industry professionals who provide feedback and evaluation on industry projects. 

Work Placement
The program requires that you complete 14 weeks/420 hours of paid work during your work placement term in the summer between your sixth and seventh semesters. This gives you the hands-on, real-world experience that employers value. Your placement will give you the opportunity to explore the field you’d like to work in when you graduate. We will work with employers and our industry partners to help you identify opportunities to pursue.

Humber’s Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music certificate is a performance-based program designed to help you assess and strengthen your skills. It solidifies your knowledge of the fundamentals of western music and develops your current performance skills through the jazz-specific areas of improvisation, repertoire development and small group ensemble performance. You will emerge from the program with a clearer understanding of the field and your own career potential within it, and as a stronger candidate for entry into postsecondary music degree and diploma programs. All courses have a particular focus on the commercial jazz field.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Recognize & identify common styles of music.
  • Describe the commercial/jazz field in terms of tradition, artists, & styles.
  • Explain the contribution of various artists to the development of particular styles & idioms.
  • Analyze the components & performance differences of recorded selections.
  • Play a repertoire of memorized materials that are considered standards in the commercial/jazz field & reflect the various styles inherent in this music.
  • Write diatonic melodies in various styles demonstrating knowledge of relevant harmonic & melodic concepts & structures of form.
  • Perform in an ensemble demonstrating basic ensemble skills such as intonation, tuning, time, feel, balance & dynamics.
  • Identify their own musical strengths & weaknesses in terms of a performance career in the commercial/jazz field.
  • Implement strategies & plans for on-going personal & professional growth & development.
  • Establish a practice of critical self-assessment & professional goal setting.

Humber’s Bachelor of Music degree program is unlike any other four-year music degree in North America. Combining studies in recording technology and entrepreneurial business strategy with performance, production, songwriting and composition in jazz, pop, R&B, Latin and world music, the Bachelor of Music program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed for success in today’s music world. 

You’ll study with teachers who represent the who’s who of Canadian music, develop your musicianship on your own instrument through private lessons and ensembles, as well as in group classes exploring ear training, music theory, improvization, production, history and related subjects. As Toronto is the centre of Canada’s entertainment industry, Humber attracts the top professionals in jazz, musical theatre, television, film, commercials and pop. 

After two years of core music courses, you will continue to develop your instrument and performance skills, as well as take classes in music production and music business while also choosing from electives in arranging, composition, advanced improvisation, film scoring, music production techniques, songwriting, ethnomusicology, pedagogy and more.  

You’ll develop musicianship and artistry by presenting your own recital in your third year, arranging and composing original material, and recording and marketing your own music 

All students complete a major recording project/portfolio in their fourth year. The assembled portfolio, which includes a complete press kit and professional-quality recording, as well as other promotional materials, functions as your calling card for entrance into the music industry upon graduation. 

Work Placement
You will participate in a work placement designed to mirror the professional music world, which is largely characterized by contract, freelance and part-time employment. You are responsible for accumulating the equivalent of 420 hours of experience which will allow you to establish contacts and relationships with key companies and industry professionals.

Humber’s Bachelor of Community Development degree program offers a unique blend of theory and practice-based experience. Students learn how to work effectively in communities, how to build capacity for change, lead projects and advocate for people who face barriers to living a full and productive life. 

The first year of the program is comprised of a common platform of courses that includes psychology, sociology, human rights, interpersonal communication, counselling and ethics. The second year of study immerses students in the field of community development including foundational courses which explore leadership and advocacy. The final two years of the program provide in-depth study of program development and evaluation, advanced issues in community development, social movements, community participatory research, and senior thesis work. Project work is linked to applied and academic fields.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Compare and contrast different historical and contemporary approaches, theory, values and methods of community work.
• Investigate psycho/social, economic and political theory underpinning community work.
• Analyze social structures that marginalize people by race, gender, class, sexual orientation and ability.
• Analyze community strengths, assets, complexities and resources from an empowerment perspective.
• Analyze root causes of community problems and select appropriate intervention strategies for change.
• Evaluate gaps in services and resources within communities applying participatory research methods that involve community members.
• Compose, present and evaluate action plans with measurable outcomes tied to empowerment evaluation methodology.
• Critique legislation and social policies and create alternative viewpoints that support communities in positive ways.
• Advocate on behalf of communities arguing for change that focuses on identified community needs.
• Devise organizational structures that support and enable community action plans to be implemented successfully.
• Formulate, implement and evaluate plans to access sustainable resources and concrete benefits for communities.
• Critique community development literature and cases to determine best practices in the field.
• Network with community members and organizations to mobilize citizens and develop allies for the change process.
• Facilitate communities through training, education and social learning to build capacity, create leaders and engage human resources.
• Apply interpersonal and group skills to plan and facilitate discussions that build collaborative relationships and community partnerships.
• Acknowledge the limits of knowledge in the field of community development through academic writing and professional practices in working with others from diverse disciplines to provide holistic services to communities.
• Practice leadership and adult education principles to contribute to approaches to community development that result in social justice.
• Deliver professional services based on ethical guidelines and empowerment centred values within the scope of practice.
• Manage own self-care and ongoing professional development plan using self-reflection and community feedback to target areas for skills, knowledge and attitude growth.

Work Placement
Students will engage in field placements (which are typically unpaid). They will complete 420 hours of field placement across two semesters or 420 hours in one summer semester with one of Humber's community partners. Students will be supported by a field placement co-ordinator.

The field placement may be in a social service, community, educational or non-profit organization where students will have an opportunity to work in the community development field. During this experience, students may have a variety of responsibilities including assessment, research-based work, working directly with community groups and individuals, as well as supporting community workers, educators and/or social science professionals.

Students have the option to gain cross-cultural knowledge and experience by completing this field placement abroad. Students can put theory into practice and directly engage with communities across the globe that will benefit from community development work.

Humber’s comprehensive Human Resources Management graduate certificate program covers all the key functions in this diverse field including employment law, labour relations, training and development, pension and benefits, occupational health and safety, compensation, performance management, recruitment and selection, and human resources planning. The expertise, knowledge and management skills you acquire can be applied to any organization. Humber’s faculty draw on their many years of hands-on human resources experience and expertise to successfully guide you through this program.

The first of its kind in Canada, our program is in high demand because it prepares you to work in all areas of human resources. Core concepts are studied in the classroom and applied in a work placement to help you gain a practical understanding of human resources.

You will gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to become a highly marketable and effective human resources professional. Our program offers a comprehensive exploration of all the core components of the field including its power to influence key business decisions.

Work Placement

• Get human resources management work experience with a short-term or long-term work placement (minimum 160 hours required).

Humber’s Professional Writing and Communications graduate certificate program supports you as you learn and practise the craft of writing while building a professional portfolio. This unique program provides you with the core transferrable skills you need to build a successful career in a variety of communications roles. Building on foundational skills such as storytelling, drafting, editing, pitching, interviewing and research, you will build proficiency in areas such as media writing, social media management, project management and design.

With a focus on writing for different audiences and purposes, as well as using current technologies to maximize the impact of your message, you will be well-positioned to enter the workplace with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a professional writer/communications specialist across a variety of sectors. You will also learn how to think strategically in preparation for taking on leadership positions within communications departments or starting your own freelance writing business.

The program will create a community of writers and support collaboration, networking, professional development and publication.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Analyze the elements of storytelling in texts and choose appropriate narrative techniques and forms for a variety of writing projects.
• Create documents suitable for a diversity of audiences and purposes using advanced linguistic and rhetorical skills.
• Create documents that adhere to standards of structure/formatting for standard print and electronic forms such as informational articles, reports, blog posts, and web site copy, and strategically repurpose content across these forms.
• Integrate new communications technologies into an existing media toolkit.
• Manage a multifaceted editorial project or communications campaign from the planning stages through completion, using a team-oriented, collaborative leadership style.
• Adapt a consistent, unique writing voice to different platforms and genres.
• Assess the needs of complex communications campaigns and then select and deploy appropriate strategies to meet those needs, using knowledge of communications theory and audience analysis.
• Produce and/or edit error-free publications for both print and on-line environments, through the use of grammar and mechanical rules, correct and relevant editorial terminology, and copy-writing and style guides.
• Analyze the structure and mechanics of a variety of document forms, both electronic and print, and apply substantive, line-level, and copyediting revisions as appropriate.
• Analyze the media landscape and the range of communications fields to plan ways to navigate the industry and market oneself.
• Create an online portfolio and social media profile to market writing skills to potential employers and freelance clients.
• Select suitable and credible research sources for strategic applications to a range of advanced communication challenges.

Humber’s International Development graduate certificate program is designed for individuals who want to see the world and make a difference within it. This program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge required to manage, develop and grow international development and disaster relief projects anywhere in the world. Graduates may find themselves in some of the most difficult environments in the world, or they may work in developed countries changing policies to make a difference in the Global South. Faculty are chosen for their field expertise and experience in international development – most continue to work with numerous international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or United Nations agencies while teaching at Humber part time.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Contribute directly to project planning and the articulation of project goals having national or regional objectives, including the preparation or modification of proposals and bids, and the negotiation of program/project elements and budgets.
• Implement strategies to secure project funding.
• Establish administrative systems and procedures relating to program approval processes, reporting systems, technical assistance requirements, procurement, international travel and project termination/evacuation.
• Assist in the co-operative management with partners of specific program and project elements, including the development of implementation plans and strategies, in-course project monitoring and evaluation, and project modification as required.
• Assume responsibility for the management of key financial and physical resources associated with projects, including planning, procurement, monitoring and reporting on progress, reviewing and revising initial plans based on in-project performance, and preparing reports for further analysis and review.
• Demonstrate effective human resource management and labour relations skills relating to projects, including the recruitment and supervision of project personnel and effective interaction with external specialists or consultants acting under contract.
• Perform statistical analysis in a business environment.
• Interpret and apply national and international regulations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of individual and corporate ethics in a business environment, and the importance of effective leadership and team-building in joint ventures based on international co-operation.
• Communicate and work effectively in cross-cultural environments.
• Use industry specific language to describe challenges, solutions and opportunities across the ID arena.

Work Placement

• You will gain industry experience and build your international development network with an eight-week (minimum) work placement within the development/humanitarian sectors. Many students choose to do this placement overseas but it can also be done here in Canada.
• With the program co-ordinator’s support, placements are found through a combination of your interests and contacts with graduates and industry partners. The educational foundation for the work placement includes learning how to optimize resumés, LinkedIn profiles and cover letters, as well as covering the broad set of skills needed to be comfortable and safe working outside of Canada.

The Fundraising Management graduate certificate program prepares you for a career that makes an immediate, positive contribution to the world. You will be a part of an innovative and industry recognized program that gives you hands-on experience in methods the growing nonprofit sector uses to create and maintain relationships with their communities of support. Humber has been a leader in the post-secondary education of fundraisers for 20 years with an exceptional reputation and hiring rate. Fundraising Management alumni work from coast-to-coast in leadership roles throughout the sector.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Articulate the roles of the volunteer and staff in charitable organizations.
• Manage staff and volunteer resources including the recruitment and selection of personnel, and their subsequent orientation, training and evaluation.
• Conceptualize, plan and execute fundraising projects and programs, including defining goals and objectives, outputs, outcomes, and project budgets. Such activities may include major gifts, planned giving, annual giving, corporate giving or capital campaigns.
• Prepare proposals and administer grants.
• Manage computer application and databases in order to input, compile and report data, and analyze new markets for development opportunities.
• Develop basic financial management skills relevant to the charitable sector.
• Conduct research and analysis associated with the management of fundraising programs (For example, sector research, prospect research).
• Develop, implement and administer marketing and direct marketing strategies and activities.
• Evaluate the environmental forces affecting Canadian business, not-for-profit and charitable Organizations and the state of philanthropy.
• Demonstrate the attitudes, values and behaviours of the effective manager/administrator in relationship to ethics and public/community service, legal issues and leadership in organizational fundraising.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communications skills, both orally and in writing.
• Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills and techniques.

Work Placement
Placements are typically abundant and secured with charities and non-profit groups although can be completed with consulting firms, corporate donation offices, foundations or government granting agencies across the philanthropic sector. Work placements normally take place in the spring and are often paid.

The only program of its kind in Ontario, the Forensic Identification graduate certificate provides you with leading-edge forensic knowledge and skills for public and private policing. As the only graduates of this program in the province, it is designed for students who are interested in becoming frontline investigators. The program’s unique hands-on approach provides expert instruction utilizing the most modern criminal forensic technology within a specialized curriculum. You will study advanced fingerprint development and analysis, physical matching of footwear and tool marks, digital photography, DNA and blood profiling, forensic interviewing, fraudulent document examination, rules of evidence, and trial procedure.

Training takes place in a state-of-the-art crime scene studio and forensic lab located at the Humber Centre for Justice Leadership. This innovative facility features a simulation lab for processing forensic evidence from staged crime scenes including photography, fingerprint development, advanced evidence collection techniques, and digital crime scene mapping. The centre also features four interviewing labs for practising interviewing techniques and assessing credibility. Finally, your forensic investigation skills and knowledge are put to the test in our mock courtroom.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Mitigate personal, public and legal risk during crime scene investigations by adhering to industry established ethical and technical standards
• Document crime scenes using various methods including scale diagrams, models and charts to present forensic evidence in judicial proceedings
• Preserve evidence using established forensic techniques and standards to aid investigations
• Employ a range of fingerprint collection and analysis techniques to contribute to investigations
• Evaluate the legality, reliability and limitations of forensic interviewing techniques to inform professional practices
• Analyze bloodstain pattern evidence to establish its value, meaning and limitations
• Articulate justification for arrest, search and seizure to aid in judicial proceedings
• Assess the authenticity of documents to support and validate evidence in civil and criminal investigations
• Communicate with colleagues and the public in high-stress environments to contribute to investigative goals and to maintain the human rights of everyone involved

What Makes This Program Different?

• While there are several universities that offer forensic programs with a theoretical science-based curriculum, Humber is the only public college in Canada that provides a comprehensive hands-on approach to forensic identification.
• From day one, we'll have you in our state-of-the-art labs, such as our crime scene lab, forensic studio, interview rooms, and our realistic mock courtroom, working on a variety of engaging forensic-based projects. In two semesters, you’ll develop career-ready skills in forensics, making you a highly desirable candidate to employers in the Criminal Justice field.